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Late Goal Lifts New York Red Bulls II to Victory


(photo from New York Red Bulls II)

After getting their first win of the season against Philadelphia Union II in Chester, the New York Red Bulls II returned home to face off against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Red Bull Arena in a crucial Group F match.

A Familiar, yet Frustrating Foe:

Throughout this club's history, no other head coach has given the New York Red Bulls II problems other than Bob Lilly.  Back when he was the coach of the Rochester Rhinos, the two squads routinely fought each other to a near standstill, with tight, taught low-scoring affairs. Now that he's running the show over in Pittsburgh, and bringing his unmistakable style with him, the Riverhounds are considered one of the elite teams of the league in a very short time. 

Along with head coach John Wolyniec, the two coaches know each other very well. In the last five seasons, they have had the best records in USL history. In addition, both squads were playing their third match within a week, making a high-scoring affair somewhat unlikely in a very warm and sultry Sunday afternoon in July.

However, it didn't take very long for the visitors to score first. In the 9th minute, off a set-piece, Riverhounds captain Kenardo Forbes delivered a terrific cross toward the corner of the net, and Skyler Thomas did the rest, scoring in his first goal of the season.

Shortly after a hydration break, off a restart, Caden Clark delivered a beautiful ball from midfield that found the chest of Harrison native Omar Sowe, and settling it down and finding himself wide open, he did not miss, launching a rocket that nestled in the back of the net to even things at one goal apiece in the 34th minute.

The second half saw the two squads tighten things up defensively despite multiple chances by the Red Bulls, but was effectively answered by goalkeeper Daniel Vitello and the Riverhounds defense. Pittsburgh also had a number of chances as well, midfielder Robbie Mertz on a break, forced a shot off the hands of Red Bulls goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley but he didn't secure it. The ball rolled towards the touchline where Mertz saved it, passed it back to the top of the box in front of the goal, but an onrushing Steevan Dos Santos skied the ball in the stands.

It looked like the Red Bulls were going to drop points at home for the second straight match, but a bad foul by Pittsburgh midfielder Ryan James tackling Jake LaCava in the box deep in stoppage time gave the Red Bulls II the lifeline they needed. Deri Corfe converted the penalty kick to seal the win and give the Red Bulls all three points.

The massive win pulled the Red Bulls even with Pittsburgh on points in Group F.

Man of the Match: Omar Sowe
Sowe's brilliant goal gave the lift the Red Bulls needed to get them level in the first half, also setting up a huge chance for his fellow forward Sebastian Elney as both pursued a winner.

Written by: Garry Redman

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